Worst place I have ever stayed in - Disrespectful, insulting host. NOT RECOMMENDED!
This was our 1st stay at Vietnam as we landed in Saigon on day 1. We had asked for late checkout which the host Ms Hannah, initially refused. But later they agreed for a hefty sum which we even agreed to pay. We were supposed to meet the host at the room by 12.15 to pay the extra amount by cash. But when we reached the room (we were at the pool in the same building) we were met with 2 housekeeping staff who were literally shouting at us and chasing us out. Turns out the host changed her mind at the last minute and asked us to check out immediately which itself was shocking. We were a group of 5 who did our best to pack our bags but the staff were literally shouting in Vietnamese (God knows what) and THROWING OUR LUGGAGE INTO THE LIFT. Once we reached the lobby, they treated us like as though we have come there to rob them, even though we have paid VND 2 million to stay there. They did not allow us to wait at the lobby also for our cab and made us stand outside the building. We felt so insulted. We have not done anything wrong except choosing this worst place to stay, to be treated like that! When we called the host to tell her about this, she refused to pick up the calls and even responded to our msgs rudely. We went to a much smaller hotel opposite the same place called JK Hotel, which was not as fancy but frankly, they treated us 100 times better. Rivergate host should know that how she treats us is much more important that any fancy amenities! Very bad experience, would not want anyone to go through it.
(PS: The room booking was done through Booking.com by my friend Mr Suresh J. I don't want Rivergate to deny this incident just because my name was not there in...
Read moreFor anyone who is in a similar position to the one I was in before checking in here a few days ago and would appreciate some peace of mind - this two tower apartment block has many apartments for short term rentals so any positive or negative experience is down to the specific host that was dealt with.
I booked Olala through Booking.com and like many reviews, I was notified that the property owner flagged my card details as invalid (they weren’t) the night before checking in. I swiftly updated the details and messaged the host. I was already staying elsewhere in the city so when there was no reply the next morning, I went to the address and expressed my concern about my booking to reception, especially considering the negative Google reviews. They said that they’ve nothing to do with short term bookings as they only cater for full time residents. From there I sent a WhatsApp message to the phone number on the listing and got a quick reply. I requested an early check in which they accommodated. While some processes like being taken up to the apartment by one person, then a different person arriving 10 minutes later to take the card payment are a bit unconventional, everything afterwards was smooth sailing. A few fixes and upgrades are needed but overall the apartment was clean, comfortable and exactly what we needed for the few days, with an amazing view from the 27th floor.
My theory is that they overbook the apartments (You’ll notice they’re always available on booking.com.) Then it’s first come first served for check in, where they’ll cancel if the apartments have been filled. My advice to anyone arriving late is to avoid booking at all but if you’re in the city early, everything should work out and you’ll have a lovely...
Read morePeople really need to understand where this building is located. You are living amongst slums, garbage and rats. There is nothing nice about the area its in. There is nothing charming about it. If you have an apartment facing the main road, say goodbye to sleep. There is non-stop honking and nightly karaoke. If you wanna get anywhere, you can walk over the bridge into D1, but the walk itself is disgusting and not at all pleasant.
If we knew this is the area, we would never have stayed here.
I cant really say there is any positive to staying in this area. There are some food places around the corner, but I mean, they aren't exactly the cleanest looking places. I get it, you wanna eat "street food" but good luck to you if you do eat at these places. There is a Mcdonalds close by however.
The building itself is just ok. The pool is pretty disappointing. There isn't a lot of space to sit and there is no shade. It does fill up and people are just laying down wherever they can find space. Not really inviting. The gym is a total disappointment. Pathetic. If you are somewhat serious about working out, you will be utterly ashamed that they call this place a gym. You also need to register your fingerprints. So be prepared to be interrupted during your workout because someone keeps knocking on the glass door to let them in.
I guess the only positive about the building is that they have a winmart downstairs to buy groceries, and the prices are pretty good.
I would never stay in this place again. Go somewhere else. There are plenty of options in the city. I know the price is attractive, but just know that the...
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